Description
These Birthday Cake Protein Bars are a delicious and colorful treat that combine creamy cashew butter, vanilla protein powder, and festive rainbow sprinkles for a cake-like flavor. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced with vanilla and almond extracts, these bars are a quick no-bake snack to satisfy your sweet tooth while packing a protein punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy cashew butter (192g)
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (100g)
- Pinch of sea salt
Add-ins
- 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a bread pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy cashew butter, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract until you achieve a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir the vanilla protein powder and a pinch of sea salt into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too dry to shape, add additional almond milk one teaspoon at a time to soften it slightly.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently mix the rainbow sprinkles into the dough to keep them vibrant and evenly distributed without melting.
- Shape & Chill: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared bread pan, smoothing the top for a uniform thickness.
- Refrigerate: Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the bars to firm up for easier slicing.
- Slice & Serve: Remove from the fridge and cut into 6 equal bars. Enjoy immediately or keep chilled for later.
- Storage: Store any leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use creamy cashew butter for the best texture; chunkier nut butters will result in uneven bars.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- Rainbow sprinkles add a festive look but can be omitted for a simpler bar.
- If you prefer vegan protein, opt for a plant-based vanilla protein powder.
- For firmer bars, chill for longer or briefly freeze before slicing.
